Adding the Aero Ektar to the Speed Graphic

[nonuniform]

I've got the bug to find an Aero Ektar and add it to a Speed Graphic. I have a Crown Graphic, which I love, but wanted something with a longer lens.

Based on everything I've read, I guess the Speed Graphic is the way to go, rather than a Crown Graphic.

Is there a particular version of Speed Graphic I should look for? I know there were differences over time, but I'm not an expert.

[Jim Jones]

An Anniversary model, made from 1940 to 1946, should do well. The Pacemaker series Speed Graphic, made from 1947 to 1973, have a few improvements. Prior to the late 1950s they used a side-mounted rangefinder like the Anniversary model that can be adjusted to accomodate the Aero Ektar. From the late 1950s they incorporated a built-in top-mounted rangefinder that requires a cam to match the rangefinder to the focal length of the lens. This may be more difficult than adjusting the earlier side-mounted rangefinders. If it is just a longer lens you want, there are plenty available that are easier to adapt to a Speed Graphic or Crown than the Aero Ektar. Unlike the Aero Ektar, most will permit the front of the camera to close with the lens mounted. A search for Aero Ektar on this site or on google should lead to much more information.

[nonuniform]

Thanks for the information. I have both an interest in a longer lens, and in fact, have both 180mm and 240mm Schneider lenses, but also found myself really enamored of the look created by the Aero Ektar.

I started this process thinking about a longer lens option on my spare Crown Graphic with top RF, but the lack of a matched cam changed my mind. So, when I started researching the side RF, that lead me to the Aero Ektar, and...well, there you have it.

[Lynn Jones]

I have two, one in Nikon mount and the other for view cameras, I like them and have used them for at least 35 years.

Lynn

[anglophone1]

Anniversary has a bigger FP shutter speed range, Pacemaker better RF.
I prefer the Pacemaker with my Aero.
You can get a properly set up lens board for either at http://lommen9.home.xs4all.nl/aero/
lots more Graphic + Aero stuff here too.
Tell Jo I sent you!

[Michael Cienfuegos]

I have the Aero-Ektar mounted on my Pacemaker SG. I tried other methods, but finally bought the Jo Lommen lensboard. It works, I don't have to worry about the whole thing falling off the camera.

[Corran]

I don't remember what the Lommen board costs, but for $75 a local machinist made a retaining ring and cut a board to size for me. I sanded down the edges of the front standard and got the AE mounted easily enough.

[anglophone1]

I don't remember what the Lommen board costs, but for $75 a local machinist made a retaining ring and cut a board to size for me. I sanded down the edges of the front standard and got the AE mounted easily enough.

EUR 115 + shipping

[nonuniform]

Yep, I found that site, great info.

So, you are using the Pacemaker, FP shutter, and side rangefinder? Do you use the rangefinder to focus?

Anniversary has a bigger FP shutter speed range, Pacemaker better RF.
I prefer the Pacemaker with my Aero.
You can get a properly set up lens board for either at http://lommen9.home.xs4all.nl/aero/
lots more Graphic + Aero stuff here too.
Tell Jo I sent you!

[anglophone1]

Yep, I found that site, great info.

So, you are using the Pacemaker, FP shutter, and side rangefinder? Do you use the rangefinder to focus?

Sometimes.
Where possible I prefer to use a tripod an ground glass.
I have used the RF when working on quick portraits, either handheld or monopod( better) you need a fast shutter speed to avoid camera shake though,